I'm officially a broke grad student. I don't have a car right now (I know), but I plan on driving it up as soon as I can (probably this winter).

Anyway, I'm nearest to Culver City, and if anyone has any advice on where to shop, get food, be entertained for minimal $, etc. that would be pretty awesome. I have access to some free shuttles, but they don't go all that far (I can get to Trader Joe's and the beach). After that, I think I'll be experimenting with bus systems.

I'm looking for a job first, but I do hope to move somewhere in Culver City or Venice either between semesters or this summer. Any an all information would be awesome.

_________________Karyn is actually just a collection of horrible thoughts masquerading as a person. -amandabear

Welcome! What are you doing for Grad school? There's a hare krishna center over near you for cheap veg-friendly buffet style dining :) And, you're on the right side of town for posh vegan eats...and Native Foods, which isn't posh, but isn't exactly cheap either! There's also a rumour that there's a bulk grocer near culver city, but I live on the other side of town, so I don't really know :) As for free things...For Your Art has great curated listings, tons of artist run spaces, etc. so it's a good way to get into that, if you're into that.

Welcome! What are you doing for Grad school? There's a hare krishna center over near you for cheap veg-friendly buffet style dining :) And, you're on the right side of town for posh vegan eats...and Native Foods, which isn't posh, but isn't exactly cheap either! There's also a rumour that there's a bulk grocer near culver city, but I live on the other side of town, so I don't really know :) As for free things...For Your Art has great curated listings, tons of artist run spaces, etc. so it's a good way to get into that, if you're into that.

I am a film student (specifically writing and producing)! Because that is smart!

I will have to look up this Hare Krishna place. I went to Native Foods my first night here and had the scorpion burger, which I liked a lot, but I think that place will be a little out of my budget until I get a job. Thanks for the art link! I do like that sort of thing. :)

_________________Karyn is actually just a collection of horrible thoughts masquerading as a person. -amandabear

Try Versailles. It's cuban food on Venice and Motor. Veggie Grill in Santa Monica is great. I third Govindas as well. Loved that place.

I don't know where you're a grad student, but if it's UCLA, your ID gets you unlimited access to the Santa Monica Blue Buss. That should let you get around to a lot of places without it costing anything.

Culver City has a Trader Joe's, so I'd start there for cheap vegan eats. :) Native Foods is amazing, of course, but you're right -- it's not that cheap. You are on the more expensive side of town, but there are a lot of great places in Venice, Santa Monica, etc. and there are lots of good bus lines to get you there cheaply. And now with the Expo Line you can easily get downtown, where there are some great places (e.g. Pizzanista has vegan pizza, Localita is a super tiny all vegan shop that also sells sandwiches). As a former very broke grad student in L.A., all I can really say is shop at Trader Joe's and utilize mass transit. Gasoline and parking in L.A. suck. :)

I do my grocery shopping at the Trader Joe's on Sepulveda, because I get free transportation there. :)

It looks like I am going to be without my car a bit longer (and my school now charges more than $300 for parking), so I'll have to look into the Expo line. I've been having trouble finding employment, because it's hard to get anywhere, gah! But I've taken the bus to Venice or Santa Monica, because it's a $2 round trip, and I'd love to explore downtown a bit. Thanks for the advice! :)

_________________Karyn is actually just a collection of horrible thoughts masquerading as a person. -amandabear